Marc Cucurella has publicly encouraged his former Chelsea teammate Enzo Fernandez to join him at Real Madrid, a move that risks angering Chelsea supporters. Cucurella, who recently completed a £51.8 million transfer to the Spanish giants, made the remarks while with the Spanish national team.
"He's a great player and a friend of mine," Cucurella stated in an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca. "He congratulated me on the signing. I hope it happens. I would be very happy. We were very happy at Chelsea, and to have the opportunity to both sign for Real Madrid in the same summer. I hope he's lucky and becomes a Real Madrid player."
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was reportedly instrumental in signing Cucurella, a 27-year-old left back. The club also has identified Fernandez, a 25-year-old Argentine international, as a midfield target. Chelsea has placed a £120 million valuation on Fernandez.
While reports indicated that Real Madrid had initiated club-to-club discussions, sources at Chelsea told Daily Mail Sport that no formal contact had been made. The Premier League club anticipates an approach, and personal terms are not expected to be a hurdle.
Fernandez has reportedly expressed interest in a move to Madrid. The report also noted significant transfer fees being sought by clubs this summer, with Chelsea valuing right back Malo Gusto at £75 million, Nottingham Forest seeking £130 million for Elliot Anderson, and Newcastle asking for £100 million for Sandro Tonali. Chelsea is also close to signing Marco Palestra from Atalanta for approximately £43 million, with incoming manager Xabi Alonso playing a role in securing the deal. Additionally, Italian side Como is reportedly interested in signing Trevoh Chalobah.